Ask MetaFilter

I am envisioning a house with exposed posts, and rafters. But what type of wood, and how are they finished? Off-the-lot wood is rough, 2x6s great for support, but for exposed ceiling rafters? And a couple of nice posts?
posted by ebesan at 8:53 AM - 0 answers

Hi, so I did an image search without results. Basically I need a few of these bracket/shelf supports that hold the shelf to the inner wall of the cabinet. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 7:20 AM - 6 answers

I need a weatherproof electrical box, ideally a floor box, which can contain MALE plugs. Everything I've found thus far is for female GFCI outlets. I need the flip side version -- I'm thinking about running what is, effectively, an armored "extension cord" under a deck, to a remote point where it can power a piece of outdoor equipment (15A or less). [more inside]
posted by aramaic at 9:53 PM - 11 answers

Want to protect hardwood floors in kitchen, bathroom, and under high chair and need recommendations. [more inside]
posted by cycleback at 9:10 PM - 5 answers

While baking, we recently spilled some almond extract on our kitchen island countertop. The countertop is finished wood, and now there's a big white splash where the spill happened. Wiping with water (which we did right after the spill) makes the white spot go away for a few minutes, but that's all. Help us fix it! [more inside]
posted by nat at 10:59 AM - 8 answers

What does “Bury 2/3 of plant” mean? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 4:08 AM - 10 answers

I enjoy gardening mostly in containers at home, but have the opportunity to expand my reach to a community garden plot. Now for the pickiest of questions: which annual plants are suited to my conditions and especially gratifying to grow in-ground? [more inside]
posted by quatsch at 12:01 PM - 13 answers

I want to send someone photographs and some pinboards and have them tell me how to rearrange or Ikea-budget improve my living room. We have the DIY skills but not the spatial spark to make the room feel cosy and colourful for us. I see a bunch of websites offering this and people on Etsy - recommendations and advice on how to choose someone? [more inside]
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 11:43 PM - 6 answers

Up next on This Old House… My current residence has triple track non-standard size windows, and is in need of an interim screen solution before custom screens can be procured. [more inside]
posted by oceano at 6:52 AM - 9 answers

I am replacing an old (though functional) dimming light switch. Photos here [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 6:18 PM - 9 answers

We are adding a bathroom in our house, and are interested in getting a copper bath tub, mainly for aesthetic reasons. They are beautiful, but expensive, and it has proven impossible to see an actual specimen in a showroom anywhere, so we are hoping to hear about others' experiences with this material for a tub, and pros and cons of living with it (maintenance, durability, pitfalls, etc).
posted by tentacle at 7:29 AM - 6 answers

I sprinkled Miracle-Gro around last fall and according to the internet this was a mistake. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by Enid Lareg at 7:24 AM - 4 answers

My hot water boiler (for my heating system) is likely nearing the end of its life. I’m also interested in adding a heat pump someday for cooling and shoulder-season heat. But, maybe I should save my money and move to a heat pump sooner for everything. Who do I need to hire or what do I need to ask for to have someone take a close look at my home and advise on the best approach? [more inside]
posted by verity kindle at 6:29 PM - 7 answers

What's the best rake for cleaning up weeds after string trimming? The surface is dirt and/or bark chips I don't care about. [more inside]
posted by unus sum at 7:11 PM - 4 answers

We'll be travelling from Seattle to LA in July-Aug, as per this question. Where in LA should we donate the gear we'll be buying for the trip and can't bring back to the UK? [more inside]
posted by melisande at 6:52 AM - 6 answers

The plastic hair clog removal tool I was using, similar to these, broke off in the bathtub drain. I believe the stopper is called a lift-and-turn type. How can I get the tool out? [more inside]
posted by La Gata at 4:35 PM - 5 answers

When I put plastic containers in the dishwasher, half the time they flip over and don't get fully washed or rinsed. What works well for you to keep that from happening? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 9:42 AM - 14 answers

I need to get a couple replacement brackets like this. Is this possible?
posted by falsedmitri at 9:16 AM - 4 answers

The tiny ants using my clothesline as a highway (for what? there's nothing out there) are super resistant to banishment. [more inside]
posted by 41swans at 8:02 PM - 13 answers

I'm currently renting a room, but the couple who owns this house are divorcing, and they need to sell the house. I'm trying to find a new room to rent, but not having much luck. I could use some suggestions please. [more inside]
posted by cats are weird at 2:51 AM - 7 answers